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"Leo's name and picture are wanted in the black market," Alex said grimly.
"What did he steal this time?" I asked.
The black market… the most dangerous place in the empire. Even though witches ruled this land, neither the royal family nor the council coven held authority there. It was a world within a world—untouchable, uncontrollable. The market didn't interfere with the empire, and the empire didn't dare interfere with it. No one knew who ran it, or if anyone did at all. And if someone was killed there? The royal court had no right to investigate.
Alex's glare burned into me like fire, as if I wasn't taking him seriously enough.
"Yeah, he must have stolen something," I teased. But the frustration tightening his jaw told me everything I needed to know. They were hiding something—something big.
"Help us cover our tracks. I know you can do it," he said, eyes softening into those pathetic puppy eyes. "Please."
I folded my arms. "I'll help, but on one condition."
I slipped on my coat and walked toward the door. The tension radiating off Alex only confirmed what I already suspected: they were in deep trouble. And that thought brought a smile to my face. Trouble always did.
"I need to know what's going on."
I opened the door and nearly walked straight into Leo, waiting outside.
"Let's go to the black market. And while we're at it, you're going to tell me everything," I said firmly.
Sometimes I swore I felt more like their mother than their sister. Leo shot Alex a sharp look, and Alex gave a tiny nod.
"When we get there, I'll explain," Leo said. He knew me well enough—I was burning for adventure, itching for a fight. Backing out wasn't in my nature.
"Just promise me it's not the kind of mess that'll have my head rolling across the floor," I muttered.
Neither of them answered. Which, of course, meant it was exactly that kind of mess.
We made our way toward the school's transportation portal. It was nearly dinnertime, and students crowded the halls, heading for the dining hall. Their whispers followed us like shadows, and I could feel eyes sticking to our backs. Attention came to us naturally, even when we weren't trying.
Leo's silence, his cold, brooding aura, made him look every inch the untouchable bad boy—wild, dangerous, magnetic. Alex, on the other hand, carried himself with charm and innocence, like the perfect gentleman. The kind of man you'd imagine marrying, settling down with in the countryside… only to discover, too late, that when he killed you, not a trace of you would remain.
At the portal, my only female friend, Lilly, was waiting. The boys were not going to like this. I mind-linked her quickly instead of calling out.
Both Alex and Leo glared at me at the exact same time, like I'd just betrayed state secrets. I ignored them and walked over to Lilly.
"The more, the merrier," she said with her sweet, harmless smile.
"Of course, darling. The boys could hardly wait to see you," I replied, layering on the sarcasm.
Leo scoffed. "I told you this was a bad idea," he muttered to Alex.
"Well, the worst that can happen is them judging," Alex said.
"And snitching," Leo added darkly.
Lilly raised a brow at me. I just shrugged.
"Don't tell me you two got yourselves into an even dirtier mess this time," Lilly said. Her high-pitched voice trembled with excitement. Danger always thrilled her.
"Oh, Lilly," Alex said, turning his puppy eyes on her now. "You know we love you, and we'd never want to drag you into trouble. It's best if you just leave now." His voice was soft, almost gentle.
"Yeah, and I love you guys so much that I won't let you get into trouble without me," Lilly shot back, mimicking his tone.
"You won't persuade her," I said, shaking my head. "So let's just get moving."
"Cloak me and Alex," Leo ordered.
I closed my eyes, gathering my power. Energy built in my palms, glowing faintly before forming a protective bubble around them. Slowly, the boys shimmered out of sight until there was nothing left but empty space.
"Perfect," Lilly said with a grin. "I can't see them. Alright, open the portal, Leo."
Leo muttered the spell twice. The air rippled and tore open into a swirling portal. Without hesitation, we stepped inside.
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